What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

A common question that many people have is “What is the difference between raw and refined coconut oil?” There is little in the way of difference, but it is important to know what your options are when it comes to choosing an alternative healthy oil. Coconut oil is a great choice for cooking and baking due to its versatility. Understanding the differences between raw and refined Coconut oil can help you determine whether you should be investing in the latter or the former.

Coconut oil has two types, one being Virgin. Virgin Coconut oil, also called “Coconut Milk” has not been heated above 160 degrees. The other type of Coconut oil is Refined, which has been heat processed. The main difference between refined and virgin coconut oil is that unrefined coconut oil has already been heat processed whereas refined Coconut oil hasn’t.

Virgin Coconut oil has a much higher melting point than its cold pressed counterpart. This makes it an excellent food seasoning and even a substitute for traditional seasonings such as curry powder. This high melting point is what allows the product to have a longer shelf life when stored in the freezer as well as use during the short shelf life of many types of foods. It is typically mixed with other ingredients prior to use.

If we were to list the biggest differences between refined and virgin Coconut oil, we would have to spend some time. There are certainly major differences, such as shelf life, health benefits, etc., however, we will focus on the appearance of the product. Refined coconut oil comes off looking flat, dull, and has a lackluster appearance. On the other hand, virgin Coconut oil comes off looking more lustrous and natural looking. This is due in part to the fact that the product is not exposed to heat and does not turn an unhealthy color.

So, what is it that makes Virgin Coconut oil Palm oil so superior? The answer lies in the process that the coconuts are grown in. In order for this process to be truly effective, the coconut has to be left out in the sun to dry completely. Heat, as we all know, leads to an unnatural colors and a duller appearance. The drying process of the coconuts used to make Virgin Coconut oil Palm oil takes out all of these issues.

To ensure the purity of your Virgin Coconut oil, organic certification must be present. Organic certification is one step further than the “organic” label that many products have. The entire coconut has to be organic, not just a part of the fruit. Only organic certified coconuts can pass these stringent tests that ensure the highest quality.